An Unbroken Line
August 29, 2007 by DH
Filed under LDS Beliefs
Ever wondered why Mormons can come across as so arrogant or self-righteous when they proclaim that they “know” that their church is the only one true church in the entire world? Countless churches and even more people in the world yet Mormons seem to audaciously set themselves above them all. In addition doesn’t it seem they can be over zealous almost to the point of being annoying by how anxious they are to share what they “know” to be true with others? Understanding from the Mormon perspective the importance of an unbroken chain of priesthood authority will answer these questions. It will show that Mormons really aren’t trying to be self-righteous or too bold in sharing their beliefs but because of their firm belief in this aspect of the gospel they may come across as that way.
Though what I say here I believe with all my heart and without any doubt, I can’t emphasize and stress enough a few points that I hope all who read this keep in mind. In no way does what I write here diminish the fact that there are churches big and small across the globe that do indeed teach truthful principles and even properly perform certain ordinances. (ie. baptism by immersion) Furthermore, there are countless people of every nation, culture, and race found in churches (and for that matter non-Christian and Christian religions alike) that are upstanding, honest, faithful and just good people. I in no way mean to infer either explicitly or implicitly that either of these things is false because of what I believe to be true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints clearly does not have a monopoly on good people nor truth. I believe that only The LDS Church contains ALL of the truth but I readily acknowledge truthful teachings and practices in other churches.
As mentioned in other posts, the importance of an unbroken line of authority is essential to the truthfulness of any church. The authority of God, the priesthood, is like God’s stamp of approval for mortals to act (ie. perform baptisms) and speak (prophesy) in His name. Without God’s authority present on Earth the ordinances and teachings are not valid in His eyes. A modern day example could be of someone who feigns to be a police officer and goes about directing traffic, writing up tickets, and making arrests but really has not been sanctioned or authorized to do such things. Though the person may actually do these things they are not recognized as a true police officer because they lack the proper authority. Much the same in spiritual things can churches preach and baptize etc in God’s name but if their authority is not recognized in God’s eyes then despite their good motives and intentions the things they do aren’t deemed valid by God. It is easy to see the importance of authority in spiritual matters and interesting to note that next to no churches today even attempt to trace their authority to ages past.
The priesthood is conferred (given) to worthy males from those who already possess it. Though the priesthood is an intangible power that is propelled by faith and worthiness it is given by the laying on of hands. Meaning that the person who has the priesthood and is living in a way that they are deemed worthy is able to lay their hands literally on the head of the recipient and confer this power to them. This person’s priesthood authority is then valid so long as they live up to the established standards and do not misuse this sacred power. (See Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46) Despite the initial impression of oddity of such a procedure its precedent is found in the Bible itself. (See Acts 6:6) In this manner the priesthood is passed on from generation to generation. For this same reason a restoration of the priesthood and therefore The Church of Jesus Christ was necessary in the days of Joseph Smith as no men on Earth possessed the priesthood to confer it to Joseph by the laying on of hands. (see below) An excellent talk by one of the current 12 Apostles of the LDS Church said this in a recent address :
“We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” Clearly, acting with divine authority requires more than mere social contract. It cannot be generated by theological training or a commission from the congregation. No, in the authorized work of God there has to be power greater than that already possessed by the people in the pews or in the streets or in the seminaries…”
Evidence of the power of priesthood (miracles performed by Christ and the subsequent apostles who were authorized by Him), its importance and the necessity to be called (Hebrews 5:4) and receive it by the laying on of hands abound in the Bible.
With a better understanding of this principle as it is taught in The LDS Church it is easy to see why members say they “know” that this is the “only true church” in the world. Not the only church with good people or correct teachings but the only church that both attempts and successfully traces back its line of authority to Jesus Christ himself. With this authority The Church and more specifically those who have the priesthood are able to baptize, give the gift of the Holy Ghost and give the priesthood to others who are worthy. I know that these things are true and know that the power of the priesthood is real and has been restored to the Earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith and to this day exists in and only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
My lineage is as follows:
DUSTIN ASHOK HEAP
Was ordained
an ELDER
On
29 September 2002
By
DAVID LYNN HEAP
Was ordained
a High Priest
On
26 MAY 1991
By
JAAN TEEMANT
Was ordained
a High Priest
On
7 August 1988
By
JERRY LYNN TAYLOR
Who was ordained
a High Priest
On
18 February 1979
By
RICHARD TAYLOR
Who was ordained
a High Priest
On
23 March 1947
By
THOMAS E. McKAY
Who was ordained
a High Priest
On
26 July 1908
By
GEORGE F. RICHARDS
Who was ordained
an Apostle
On
9 April 1906
By
JOSEPH F. SMITH
Who was ordained
an Apostle
On
1 July 1866
By
BRIGHAM YOUNG
Who was ordained
(SEE BELOW)
On
Brigham Young was ordained an Apostle on 14 February, 1835 under the hands of the Three Witnesses – Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris (see Joseph Smith, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. 2, p. 187).
The Three Witnesses were called by revelation to choose the Twelve Apostles, and on 14 February, 1835 were “blessed by the laying on of hands of the Presidency.” – Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams – to ordain the Twelve Apostles (See History of the Church, vol. 2, pp. 185-189).
Joseph Smith, Jr., and Oliver Cowdery received the Melchizedek Priesthood in 1829 under the hands of Peter, James, and John (see History of the Church, vol. 1. pp 40-41).
Peter, James, and John were ordained Apostles by the Lord Jesus Christ (see John 15:16).
>The following illustration shows the basic cycle that has occurred since Adam was placed on the Earth. God calls a Prophet (Adam, Noah etc) who is then properly authorized with the priesthood. Despite the teachings of righteous men when the people in general reject the word of God through his chosen and authorized prophets the priesthood and true church are taken from the earth resulting in a time of apostasy. During an apostasy (time line falls off) mankind is left with out authoritative leadership and revelation from God and thus no true church. Scripture is interpreted according to the wisdom of men instead of revelation through Prophets of God, ordinances are changed, churches of all kinds are formed and doctrine corrupted as revelation from the Heavens ceases. To end an apostasy God again sends a prophet with his authority which must be restored from heaven (blue arrows) as no man on Earth possesses this priesthood and is able to confer it by the laying on of hands. When one understands this pattern of priesthood conferral, apostasy and restoration the role of Joseph Smith makes perfect sense as he was the prophet chosen to receive the priesthood and organize again The Church of Jesus Christ on the Earth. (Known as “the restoration” in Mormon lingo) Since the days of Joseph Smith there has been no apostasy and hence the priesthood has simply been passed from mortal to mortal instead of having to be restored from Heaven. (Horizontal arrow.)
